Laboratory instruments are often made of quartz glass for several reasons:
- High Transparency: Quartz glass has high transparency, especially in the ultraviolet region. This allows for clear observation and measurements in many laboratory applications.
- Chemical Stability: Quartz glass exhibits high resistance to corrosion by various chemicals. This is crucial in laboratory settings where exposure to corrosive substances is common, as other types of glass may undergo changes or damage.
- Thermal Stability: Quartz glass has high thermal stability, enabling it to operate at relatively high temperatures without deformation or damage. This is important for experiments conducted under elevated temperature conditions.
- Low Thermal Expansion Coefficient: Quartz glass has a relatively low thermal expansion coefficient, meaning it is less prone to significant deformation during temperature changes. This is crucial for maintaining the accuracy and stability of instruments.
- Electrical Insulation: Quartz glass is an electrical insulator, preventing the flow of electric current. This property is useful in experiments where electrical conductivity needs to be avoided.
In summary, the combination of high transparency, chemical stability, thermal stability, low thermal expansion, and electrical insulation makes quartz glass a common choice for laboratory instruments, especially in applications requiring these specific properties.